St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy. Part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust. Lay Chaplain

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1 St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy Part of the Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust Lay Chaplain Recruitment Pack November 2017

2 Job Description LAY CHAPLAIN COR RSPONSIBILITIS The Chaplain as witness Help people to recognise God s love for them and their need of God Inspire through example To encourage staff and pupils to live the faith by being involved in projects relating to social justice and global citizenship The Chaplain as pastor Be visible and approachable around the school Accompany people at particular stages of their journey through life Get to know people individually and use every opportunity for contact to the best advantage Support the Head Teacher in his/her role as faith leader in school To play a central role in the pastoral system The Chaplain as leader Support and further develop the spiritual, religious and liturgical life of the school. Use a collaborative style of ministry that encourages a team approach to chaplaincy to develop and lead a chaplaincy team. To offer opportunities of prayer for staff and students. Plan for the same to occur with local clergy Develop suitable activities to mark and celebrate the major feasts and seasons of the Church To support staff and pupils in their planning, preparation and leading of liturgies and collective worship Help with the provision of suitable resources for the prayer life and worship of the school nsure the school environment and displays reflect the school s Catholic Christian identity. Promote and care for the Prayer Room/Chapel as a sacred space

3 Job Description LAY CHAPLAIN COR RSPONSIBILITIS Develop a school retreat programme for pupils Support students to participate in the sacramental life of the Church, where appropriate. To celebrate and share the faith life of the school with the wider community To include the local parishes in school celebrations, where appropriate Help with sensitive issues, advising on the Church s teaching The Chaplain as educator To support and enhance the R curriculum, where appropriate The Chaplain as professional Have input into the school development plan, its operation and review Advise the Senior Leadership Team, where appropriate Challenge and support on standards, morals and the values of the Christian life To meet regularly with the line manager To engage in a regular process of appraisal To report to and work with Governors/Directors to promote the Catholic ethos and distinctive nature of the school. Attend where possible staff meetings and any other meetings as appropriate To engage with Continual Professional Development (CPD) relevant to the role of chaplain. To avail of opportunities for enhancing his/her own spiritual well-being To lead school based CPD for staff in relation to the Catholic life of the school. To be a member of ACC and use the opportunities the organisation offers for professional and spiritual development. To be a member of the Diocesan Chaplaincy Group or its equivalent, attending meetings regularly To liaise with Diocesan agencies, groups and individuals, where appropriate

4 Person Specification Personal Qualities/ Attributes Qualifications & Training Criteria Practising Catholic in good standing with the Church Be confident working with young people in a faith context Ability to relate to and inspire young people with their love for Jesus and His Church Well organised, self-motivated, able to act on initiative with a can do attitude Ability to use tact, sensitivity, diplomacy and good humour Ability to understand others and create trust Ability to manage time and workload effectively A keen interest in developing the Chaplaincy role in an innovation and creative way Theology Degree or equivalent qualification or comparable level of relevant experience xperience xperience of working with young people Professional Knowledge xperience of working in a catholic environment/community: parish/school, retreat centre or youth service xperience of preparing and delivering liturgies xperience of working in a school environment Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting young people A good understanding of Catholic ducation and the ability to develop and deliver Catholic education/ation programmes Working knowledge of the Catholic faith and environment ssential/ Desirable D Stage Identified Certificates Leadership Skills Ability to lead, motivate and challenge pupils and staff Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues, parents, governors, the Diocese of Leeds and other stakeholders ffective organisational and administrative skills Aptitudes & Abilities Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders, including young people, parents, head teachers, lay chaplains, parishioners, priests xcellent IT skills including internet and social media Be flexible and adaptable with excellent listening skills Skills in music and drama D D Other Factors Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people A willingness to undergo training, especially in current safeguarding practise Willingness to undergo appropriate checks including DBS

5 Vicariate for ducation Co-ordinator for Lay Chaplains in Catholic Schools St Mary s Presbytery 2 Clarence Street Halifax HX1 5DH Tel: martin.kelly@dioceseofleeds.org.uk Dear Applicant, Thank you for the interest you have shown in the position of Lay Chaplain at Saint John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy. We are blessed in the Diocese of Leeds to have a strong network of school lay chaplains and we are developing a full programme of Continual Professional Development within a supportive environment. The diocese is committed to supporting our lay chaplains as they seek to serve the students and staff of our schools in their spiritual and pastoral life. Our chaplains work to nurture the faith ation and liturgical life of the school community The chaplain also provides an important link between the school and the parishes it serves. The Vicariate for ducation will provide opportunities for the successful candidate to network with other lay chaplains both locally and nationally. I look forward to welcoming whoever is appointed to the position and working with them. Yours sincerely in the Lord, Rev. Martin Kelly

6 Dear applicant, It s a particularly exciting time for the Diocese of Leeds youth services. We are in the midst of developing a new youth service strategy across our parishes and schools and we recognise the crucial role of the Lay Chaplain within this. Bishop Marcus s letter outlines our mission. Knowing and loving Our Lord Jesus Christ, accepting the graces He freely gives to us in the Sacraments of the Church, and understanding how faith in Him can make a real impact for good in our lives and in the society in which we live, is at the centre of the Church s mission in education. It is this vision which I wish to see at the heart of the strategy for the future provision of Catholic education and youth services within the Diocese of Leeds. Bishop Marcus Stock, Pastoral letter, 25 September 2016 We seek to support, develop and network the existing youth work provision and chaplaincy work across our diocese as well as identifying areas in which new challenges and situations give us opportunities to walk with our young people in new ways; inspiring, ing and celebrating them as they grow in faith. The Faith in Action Award scheme is a big part of our work in the coming years and promises to be a great way of providing on-going ation, fellowship and catechesis within the parish and school communities from the ages of years. We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate! Jessica Wilkinson Youth Co-ordinator Diocese of Leeds